Step 2:
Make it
Legal
ent
RE u N id O
e
Basem
g
Doing a DIY basement
renovation? There are
permits and other legal
considerations to take
into account. Here are
six tips to ensure your
renos are legit
1. If it’s a non-structural reno, like
laying a new floor, you don’t need
a building permit. But if you’re
moving a telepost, building a wall
with electrical, adding an egress
window or converting the space
to a rental suite, you will need a
building permit.
Plan it
Before you begin breaking up concrete and putting up
drywall, sit down with pen and paper (or some design
software) to sketch out how you can best use the space
Mark the positions of:
water heaters, plumbing,
sump pumps, drainage,
sewage pipes and other
features that can’t be
moved. Create a separate
lighting plan: Detail
where fixtures and
switches will go. (You’ll
need this information to
get an electrical permit.)
Measure vertically:
Beams or ductwork can
alter the height of the
ceiling in certain spots,
restricting elements
like door or lighting
placement. Consider potential
water damage:
Examine your foundation
Map out furniture
size and placement:
Consider if you can
physically get the
furniture down into
the basement—queen
beds are notorious for
not clearing low ceiling
heights down stairs.
48
Spring 2018
AMA inSider
to check for cracks.
Check your yard to
ensure it slopes away
from the house so water
won’t drain into your
basement. If you plan
to add windows or
exterior doors, be sure
to add drainage to your
to-do list.
3. For an electrical permit, you
may be required to provide a
wiring diagram indicating the
location of receptacles, lights,
switches and all other equipment
to be installed. plumbing permits
may also require a diagram that
shows the location fixtures, as
well as drain and vent pipe sizes.
4. all electrical and plumbing
work must be inspected prior
to covering with insulation or
wallboard.
5. Final inspections don’t just
focus on electrical and plumbing.
an “all trades inspection” looks
to make sure ventilation is up
to code, insulation levels are
correct, and minimum ceiling
heights are being met.
6. Inspectors do hundreds of
inspections each month. respect
their time: clean up before they
arrive and make sure it’s easy for
them to walk around. If they can’t
complete the work, you could be
charged for additional visits.
Step 1:
2. If you’re doing your own
renovation, apply for electrical
and plumbing permits from your
municipal planning and develop-
ment branch before you begin
work. If working with a general
contractor who uses electrical
and plumbing contractors, they
will get the permits for the job.